Honda WR-V (Jazz cross) unveiled at the 2016 Sao Paulo Auto Show

After posting its design sketch as a teaser, Honda has taken the wraps off the Honda WR-V crossover at the 2016 Sao Paulo Auto Show. It is the long-time replacement of the Brazil-exclusive Honda Fit Twist, and will arrive in showrooms across Brazil in H1 2017.

Honda says that ‘WR-V’ is an acronym for ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’. The new name as well as the rugged, bold styling help distance the crossover version further from the regular Honda Fit (Honda Jazz). It has the usual pseudo-crossover touches like higher ground clearance, tough body cladding, larger rims. bolder grille garnished with chrome and roof rails. The rear-end borrows cues from the current Jazz and the latest Honda CR-V.

Honda has not revealed the interior nor its final engine specifications at the unveil. Speaking on the latter, it’s likely to source the Honda Fit’s 1.5L Flex-fuel i-VTEC four cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual or CVT, which sends power to the front wheels.

Issao Mizoguchi, President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brazil Ltd, said –

Including the establishment of a new automobile R&D Center in Brazil which became operational in 2013, Honda has been strengthening its product development to accommodate the needs of customers in this region. This WR-V is one of the major achievements resulting from such efforts. With the introduction of this new SUV, in addition to the CR-V and HR-V, we will further strengthen the presence of Honda in the South American region.

In the Brazilian market, the WR-V will slot beneath the Honda HR-V, and rival lower variants of the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, as well as the Hyundai HB20X, VW CrossFox and Chevrolet Onix Activ.